Meet Erik Decarvalho | Athletic Gym Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erik Decarvalho and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erik, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
when I was younger I focused primarily on work, then when I had a family I my focus definitely changed. I received great advice from someone that was very successful, he said ” Everyone I know would trade all the money for time back with their kids, they”re only young once”. So, I make it a priority to make family time just as important as work.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets me and my business apart in this industry is the unwavering attention to detail and the genuine passion I have for working with my athletes. I’m deeply committed to helping them perform at the best of their ability, taking the time to understand their unique needs and goals. Unlike others, I don’t see them as just a number or a dollar amount—I see their potential and work tirelessly to help them unlock it.”On the operations side, I’ve been fortunate enough to gain experience on both the corporate gym level and the independent side. I’ve worked in sales and management, which has given me a unique perspective that sets me apart from most people in my profession. This diverse background allows me to approach my business with a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to succeed, both in delivering exceptional results for my athletes and in running a smooth, efficient operation.

Getting to where I am today definitely wasn’t easy. I’ve faced many challenges, but I’ve learned to overcome them by gaining perspective. Reading a few books on stoicism has been a game-changer for me, especially because I struggle with high anxiety. Stoicism taught me to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can’t. This mindset has helped me manage stress and stay grounded, ensuring that I take care of what’s within my power to handle.

Some of the most important lessons I’ve learned along the way are to trust in yourself and your instincts. Be cautious about bringing people close to you into your business, as it can complicate things. Focus on what you can control and disregard anything that doesn’t align with your goals. And perhaps most importantly, don’t be afraid to pivot—if everyone else is already doing something, find a different, innovative path to stand out.

What I want people to know about my personal story is thaa small kid from New York who wasn’t supposed to make it past two years old was able to beat that odd, then doctors said I wouldn’t be able to walk by six, let alone run or play a sport. But I beat every odd they gave me. Through resilience and determination, and a very strong will I’ve not only overcome those personal challenges but created a space where athletes, kids, and others can grow and thrive in their sports. I’ve been fortunate to help athletes reach their full potential, including getting into the NBA and becoming professionals in their respective fields. My journey is proof that no matter the odds, success is possible with the right mindset, hard work, and creating opportunities for yourself.

I want the world to know that my brand is dedicated to helping athletes become the best versions of themselves. We focus on breaking them down biomechanically through kinetic chain assessments and pushing them to their limits with personalized skill development, performance training, and recovery strategies. It’s about more than just improvement—it’s about unlocking their full potential and helping them achieve greatness in every aspect of their athletic journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
This is a tough question for me because my social battery is usually pretty low—I’m definitely an extroverted introvert, lol. If I were showing someone around, I’d probably start with a great meal at a Brazilian steakhouse or one of the charming restaurants in uptown or downtown Dallas, depending on their preferences. As for hanging out, I’m pretty low-key, but there are plenty of fun, interactive things to do. Since we’ve moved to McKinney, I’d suggest exploring downtown McKinney and checking out some of the local breweries—it has a great, laid-back vibe. For those interested in history, downtown Dallas has some fascinating historical sites that are always worth visiting.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
“I want to dedicate this shoutout to someone who truly deserves recognition in my story—my wife, Jade. She’s been by my side for as long as I can remember, constantly supporting me and ensuring I stay on the path to success. Jade, your love, insight, and ability to help me grow this business is a huge part of all the success. Your unwavering belief in me has been the cornerstone of everything I’ve achieved. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Website: https://www.e4athletics.com

Instagram: Erik_e4, E4athletics

Facebook: Erik deCarvalho